objectivity
C1Formal, Academic, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
The state or quality of being impartial, unbiased, and based on facts rather than personal feelings or opinions.
A philosophical concept referring to the perception of reality as existing independently of any individual's consciousness, or a stance in research and journalism that prioritizes verifiable evidence over subjective interpretation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an abstract, uncountable noun. The core concept is the absence of bias. Often invoked as an ideal or standard, especially in professional contexts where fairness is required.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Pronunciation differs (see IPA). The spelling is identical.
Connotations
Strongly positive in academic, scientific, and legal contexts in both varieties. Can carry a slightly negative connotation when used to criticize something as being overly cold or detached from human concerns.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties, with high usage in academic and media discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the objectivity of [noun phrase]objectivity in [gerund/noun][verb] objectivitywith objectivityVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “With clinical objectivity (analysing something in a cold, precise way)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in audits, performance reviews, and market analysis to emphasize decisions based on data. 'The committee must review the bids with complete objectivity.'
Academic
A fundamental principle in research methodology. 'The study's findings were questioned due to a perceived lack of objectivity.'
Everyday
Less common. Used to describe a fair-minded approach in personal disputes. 'Try to look at the situation with more objectivity.'
Technical
Key in fields like statistics (objective measurements), law (an objective standard), and philosophy (the objectivity of moral facts).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He struggled to objectify his observations in the report.
American English
- The study aimed to objectify the symptoms for clearer diagnosis.
adverb
British English
- The data was analysed objectively by the software.
American English
- She listened objectively to both sides of the argument.
adjective
British English
- We need an objective assessment from an external consultant.
American English
- The journalist strove to maintain an objective tone in the article.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A good judge must show objectivity.
- It is hard to keep objectivity when you are personally involved.
- The researcher's objectivity was compromised by the company's funding.
- Journalistic objectivity requires reporting facts without editorialising.
- Postmodern critiques often challenge the possibility of pure objectivity in historical writing.
- The philosopher argued for a form of moral objectivity grounded in rational discourse.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a scientist looking at an OBJECT through a microscope. OBJECTivity is about focusing on the object itself, not your feelings about it.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBJECTIVITY IS A SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT (e.g., a lens, a scale) that provides a clear, undistorted view of reality.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'объективность' (direct translation, correct) and 'объектив' (camera lens).
- Avoid using 'объективизм' (Objectivism, Ayn Rand's philosophy) as a translation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'objectiveness' (rare and often considered non-standard).
- Misspelling as 'objectivety' or 'objectivty'.
- Confusing 'objectivity' (the quality) with 'objective' (a goal or the adjective form).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'objectivity' in a scientific context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related. Objectivity is broader, focusing on being based on external facts. Neutrality often implies not taking sides in a conflict. One can be neutral without being fully objective (e.g., ignoring relevant facts to avoid offence).
This is a major philosophical debate. In practice, it is considered an ideal to strive for, especially in professional settings, though complete personal objectivity may be impossible due to inherent biases.
The direct antonym is 'subjectivity', which refers to judgments based on personal perspective and feelings.
Use it to discuss the methodology or perspective of a source (e.g., 'The article's objectivity is questionable due to the author's clear political affiliations.') or to state an intention (e.g., 'This essay will examine the issue with objectivity.').
Collections
Part of a collection
Abstract Thinking
B2 · 49 words · Words for ideas, reasoning and intellectual concepts.
Philosophical Vocabulary
C2 · 44 words · Technical terms used in academic philosophy.
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